Repeat drink-drivers may lose their cars

Serial drink-drivers face having their cars seized under plans being drawn up
by ministers

Drivers who are only marginally over the limit when breathalysed will lose the right to demand a second blood or urine testPhoto: PA

By David Millward, Transport Editor

11:33PM GMT 11 Nov 2012

Proposals aimed at taking the most dangerous motorists off the road are likely to be unveiled early next year.

The Government is already moving to toughen the law on drug-driving by making it a criminal offence simply to get behind the wheel having taken an illegal substance, without having to prove that driving was impaired as at present.

In addition, drivers who are only marginally over the limit when breathalysed will lose the right to demand a second blood or urine test.

This will close a loophole that allows them to sober up while they wait for the sample to be taken. In rural areas in particular, the delay can sometimes take an hour — occasionally more — meaning that they are more likely to be under the limit by the time the second reading is taken.

But it is the problem of the habitual drink-driver that is causing mounting concern in Whitehall. Government figures show a sharp rise in the number of motorists being convicted more than once for driving under the influence.

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In 2000, 13,299 motorists received at least their second ban for drink driving. By 2009 this had risen to 19,605.

Over the same period the proportion of banned drivers disqualified for at least the second time rose from 16 per cent to 24 per cent.

The extent of the problem was underlined further in September when nearly one in 10 drivers interviewed in the Crime Survey of England and Wales admitted getting behind the wheel when over the drink-drive limit. According to Department of Transport figures, 280 people were killed in drink-drive accidents last year, 30 more than in the previous year. Even though the latest figure is half that of 2006, there is continued concern in Whitehall about the dangers posed by drink-driving.

It is not only repeat drink-drivers who are likely to be targeted under the proposals. A motorist repeatedly convicted for drug-driving is expected to face similar sanctions, with the car being confiscated and in most cases sold.

The same is likely to apply to motorists who, having taken drink or drugs, also recklessly disregard the rules of the road while driving.

“The police and the courts already have the power to seize vehicles in certain circumstances,” said Stephen Hammond, the roads minister. “We are currently exploring how we can make greater use of these powers to get the most dangerous and irresponsible motorists off the road.”

The move was given qualified backing by Andrew Howard, the AA’s head of road safety.

“We would accept the sanction being applied to repeat offenders,” he said. “But steps have to be taken to ensure it is applied fairly.

“A car is often vital for a household and it would be unfair for a family to lose its car for a one-off serious offence.”

The move was welcomed by Robert Gifford, executive director of the parliamentary advisory council for transport safety.

“The forfeiture of vehicles would send a clear message to repeat offenders that driving is a privilege and not a right,” he said.

“It would also give the courts another route through which to enforce the law.”